Urchin – Longspine

Longspine Urchin Care Tips:

Minimum Tank Size: 40 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 25cm (10″)

Diet: Herbivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 200 years!

Scientific Name: Diadema Setosum

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

The longspine urchin is a common species of sea urchin often seen in the hobby. Its scientific name is Diadema Setosum but it is referred to by its common name the longspine urchin. This urchin comes from the Diadematidae family. This urchin can reach a maximum of 10” from one tip of its spines to another and can live up to 200 years! Urchins are omnivores but prefer to eat algae, specficially coralline algae. If there is not sufficient algae present in the tank they can be supplemented with algae rocks. These urchins have a minimum tank size of 40 gallons. Longspine urchins are peaceful and are both coral and invertebrate safe. Longspine urchins will most often be seen on the rocks. Sea urchins are nocturnal, feeding them in the evening instead of the morning would be more effective.